Gisby

Been a member on here for a long time but made very few posts, like many I’ve just taken interest in the thoughts of others about the club.
Didn’t knew B4 in person but recognised his panda pic for a long time as one of a handful of ones I’d skim through long threads to read his posts, they were just some of the more fun & interesting ones made by what seemed to be a nice guy. Looking at what people have said on here he was a nice guy and when I saw this thread today my eyes watered up.
I hope his family know how much of an amazing thing it is that just by being a genuinely good nice guy he managed to make a lot of real people who he never even met or knew beyond writings on a forum stop and shed a tear. Well done, thanks & rest in peace B4.

It is nice to see a newface here,please keep posting,it will help us to keep B4 ,s memories alive,and I would like to add my name to the list of condolences which have been placed on our blog in memory of your brother,I for one of many will never forget him.

The turtle post was my doing 😝 Daniel left his phone lying around unlocked so I started posting facts about turtles on his Facebook for my own amusement. After about of month of this, someone Dan worked with gave a small stuffed turtle because she thought he liked them so much 😂  That Christmas every present I gave Dan had turtles on them 🤣🤣🤣

Rivalry and banter aside...So sorry to hear this. B4 was a true fan who wore his heart on his sleeve.
Sending our condolences to his family and all his friends and those that knew him on here too.
You're all in our thoughts during this sad time.
Rest in peace B4.
From  the NFFC fans on the LTLF forum. 
 
 

Ashamed to say that I’ve only just seen this thread. Like everyone else I’m absolutely gutted by this awful news. Even in our darkest hours (and there’s been plenty of late) B4’s been a constant ray of light that never failed to raise a smile. It was clear from every single post, without fail, that B4 absolutely loved the club, and in turn, who couldn’t love someone like that.
I will miss his unwavering optimism. I will miss him. I really hope the club and fans can do something in B4’s memory. God bless you Daniel.

Had a cry when I find out and had another cry now reading all the posts
What a bloke - can’t count the amount of times he’s made me smile on here, it can be a bloody tough forum to read at times when you consider the club we follow but he was just the best
Not only hilarious but completely spot on - the team would do better if we got behind the lads like he did
I still remember laughing my head off as a younger Leicester Ram at the yellow belt saga, in another life I’m sure B4 will be running the resurgent DLF
Haven’t been to a game since my uncle died but would have made the trek from London come rain, shine or national rail strike for the Bristol Rovers game for Daniel
Unfortunately I’m in Vietnam and can’t make it back, have to admit I’m devastated because he deserves the best send off possible - remember back in the days of the DCFC Fans podcast that I said he was my favourite forum member and he always will be
If anyone is sorting out a flag for him etc but finding the cost a bit dear, please let me know as I’d love to help out
You Rams 🐏 

Oh wow, that is truly awful news.
He was one of the first posters I ever interacted with on this board, and he was always guaranteed to put a smile on my face.
I never met him, but I feel like I did, and his positivity in the face of a lot of life's crap that he faced was always inspiring and remarkable.
He will be sadly missed and my heartfelt condolences to his family and those of you who knew him personally.

I am unsure if this thread is the appropriate for this post, please remove if it is not.
I first encountered B4 on another forum many years ago. It was a very different place compared to this forum, and at times was not pleasant.
That B4 was able to become such a star here is down to @David and his team. What a valuable resource this forum is for Rams fans. Yes we carp, squabble and throw hissy fits, but the reaction to B4’s passing, and his many posts, show what a strong and supportive community we have.
#BeMoreB4  COYR!

Oh my goodness, what a response!
Hello everyone, I’m Claire, Daniel’s (B4) sister. I am overwhelmed by your kind words, support, and the memories you have shared.  Thank you so much for the kindness and love you have all shown to Daniel over the years. My parents are working their way through all of the posts and will offer their own thanks in due course.
I wish I knew about the scraves, flanges and ballions before now. I wouldn’t have let Daniel live that down at home. This made my husband and I laugh this morning.
I will be wearing Daniel’s shirt and keeping his seat warm at the Bristol match. Really looking forward to hearing a big cheer and round of applause in the 38th minute, a goal at the time would be perfect!  Do please continue to share the picture with details of the applause. Let’s raise the roof for Daniel!!!
Thank you all again ❤️
#BeMoreB4 

Hard to know where to start.  Reading the news of his passing really rocked me.  To then read all the pages over the last day or so has brought me tears to several times.  I couldn’t do them all in one sitting, too emotional.  The words and memories listed over all these pages should hopefully bring some small comfort to all his family and friends.  What a testament to the man, that so many who only knew him through this forum had such a strong bond and affinity for him.
I hope his parents take enormous pride at what a stunning job they did in raising such as beautiful human being, who clearly touched so many lives.  His strength and empathy to reach out to others and offer solace in their hour of need, whilst going through dark times himself speaks volumes to the person he was.
He has left a mark on this world that many can only dream off.  Normally when someone passes, it is marked on social media sites with RIP and other one word or one line comments, the fact that so many are so detailed, people who haven’t posted for years signing back in, people creating accounts for the sole purpose of paying their respects, just demonstrates what high esteem his was held in by so many.
I’ve fallen out of love with football recently for various reasons and have only been twice this season despite being a season ticket holder. The passing of B4 though has ensured I will be attending the Bristol Rovers game, hopefully some of that B4 passion will find its way back to me and reignite my love.  I will stand and applaud our friend and with no shame I will have a tears rolling down my cheeks.
Go easy brother, love a fellow Ram xxx

This is only the second time I have ever posted on this site though I read it almost daily for news, gossip and because I like to see what others think about our team. I go to nearly all games, home and away, but I don't think I have ever met B4. But as everyone has said he shone like a beacon on here and I loved to read his posts. He was the ultimate fan. What a huge loss. Please keep his memory alive on here. We need more people like him in the world, people who are just passionate and not consumed by a desire to be right or to put others down. I hope that the love that has been expressed for him is some consolation to his family.

RIP Daniel. We didn’t know each other and I never had the pleasure of meeting you but to me , on this forum, you were Mr Derby County. I loved your positivity and your passing puts everything concerning DCFC into perspective. My heart felt condolences to your family & friends. Your passing came too soon, I hope you are at peace and we will all miss you. Today was for you B4. 

Andy, who is Daniel's dad, has just rung me to say that he has started to read through all your wonderful messages today. They have made him and Daniel's mum Lynne, cry and laugh in equal measure. 
Andy, Lynne, Daniel's sister Claire, their poodle Marley (Daniel was his butler!) and all the rest of the family are very grateful for the kind messages.
Regarding a tribute, they would prefer a round of applause on the 38th minute of the next home League game against Bristol Rovers on 25th November. There will be more friends and family who know Daniel there on that day, so it would seem more  appropriate than the cup replay this week.
 @David and @Owen87ITK, I  don't know if you can help organise this? And is it possible to have a photo on the big screen or is that not allowed? 
Andy has also asked me to share this photo of Daniel's seat yesterday, with a big thank you to all who came up to him to chat or offer condolences. He really appreciated it. 
 
 
 

Hi all, I'm another long time reader of the forum but have never felt brave enough to join and post, until now. Like many of you I didn't know B4, but recognised him and his dad at away matches. Last season I was sat next to him at Bristol Rovers, and although we exchanged pleasantries, again I wasn't brave enough to say I recognised him from the forum! If I had, I would have said, as a confirmed "happy clapper" myself, how lovely it was to read his always positive posts, and how his absolute love for our club shone through. It's a measure of the man how many of us are saddened at his passing, even though we didn't know him. Heartfelt condolences to all B4's family and friends, and I hope in time all these lovely messages will bring them some  comfort. 

As I reflect on this upsetting news and read how it's affected so many I feel that I must let it be known how much my matchday experience will never be the same again. I have sat in the same seat in the East Stand since it was built, together with my wife, and sat right in front for many years was Daniel and his dad. I am a regular reader of this forum but rarely contribute. I do remember when there was much speculation as to who top fan B4 was. It eventually dawned on me that he must have been sat in front all that time. He reluctantly admitted that he was indeed the one and only B4.
I should have known because I had been discussing team selection and tactics every game for years. Half time changes that were always needed were rarely implemented by the manager, who should have known better. Sweets were often handed around and whatever happened on the pitch Daniel's support was unwavering and I sometimes felt ashamed that I couldn't raise my game when things just weren't happening and I had a feeling of impending doom.
It was a shock not to see and hear him yesterday but it was a privilege to have known Daniel.
 

The only down side to this thread is the number of folk who have mentioned spirit... and not one of you has mis-spelled it!  
We all loved flanges and scravers of course, but "Spirt" was a personal favourite of mine.  I'm gonna miss that!  😢 
 
Anyway...
Lots of usernames on here that I simply don't recognise.  A couple of dozen previous posts here, a few hundred there.
Countless claims of "Don't post very often but..."
Numerous lurkers clicking away on their keyboard.
Even a few new sign-ups for the sole purpose of passing on their condolences.
And a list as long as your arm, of posters who never met the lad... me included... "But felt like we knew him"!
I've also very briefly touched on my own PM's shared with B4... all at his behest I hasten to add... and I'll not add to that, as those conversations remain private, suffice to say, I shouldn't have been as surprised as I was (shame on me!) to now learn that he pretty much contacted anyone and everyone that had posted of the merest hint of troubles in their own lives... whilst the lad himself arguably suffered more than most.
Every word in this thread points to someone special.  Of that, there is no doubt.  Unique.  Caring to the core.  One of a kind, amongst many of a kindred spirt! (😉)
Arguably, the clearest evidence of that eons old adage "You don't know what you have until it's gone".
I hope to God that if he didn't know then, he knows now!  It's clear how his being... and now his parting soul... has touched so many of us.
He truly will be forever remembered. 
xxx
 
 

Just a couple of things to keep B4 in our memories on DCFC Fans.
First is the topic title following the news of David Clowes takeover.
With so many sayings, it was difficult to choose from, however this and the post itself means so much more. Especially the line about his Mum, football was not just a game to B4, it was life and death.

 
 
@Mucker1884's words were utterly brilliant and a fitting tribute. They have been published on their own page which will always remain on the main menu.
https://dcfcfans.uk/b4ev6is/
Needless to say, this topic will also remain pinned for the lifetime of this forum.
@B4ev6is  you are a DCFC Fans legend that will never be forgotten. x

The outpouring of emotion on here is a good reminder of how powerful online forums like these can be.
You can have such an impact on somebody you've never even met. Never even really spoken to. Just your attitude, your daily positivity, your effervescent outlook on life, can move people deeply.

RIP Daniel. We didn’t know each other and I never had the pleasure of meeting you but to me , on this forum, you were Mr Derby County. I loved your positivity and your passing puts everything concerning DCFC into perspective. My heart felt condolences to your family & friends. Your passing came too soon, I hope you are at peace and we will all miss you. Today was for you B4. 

Over 9 years ago I took my lad to his first away game. Charlton, midweek in the 6 weeks holidays. 
 
A game I’ll never forget. He was only 5 at the time. I could see that as soon as we walked into the ground, he might struggle with just how loud it was. We got to our seat and the game just about to kick off and everybody standing. He was only 4 foot tall so I told him to stand on his seat. He still couldn’t see properly but at least it was better. The next minute, a friendly face appeared offering us both a sweet, unbeknown to me at the time it was B4 - my lad then fell down the back of his seat hurting both his legs. B4 was straight there making sure he was OK and for the next 90 minutes made regular check ins with him to see if he was OK and reassuring him not all games are like that. 
 
At HT we spoke at length and swapped user ID’s on dcfcfans. The next day I received the below message direct from Daniel. It epitomises everything about the guy and from that moment, he’s always held a special place in my heart and always will do. Not many like him but I’m so glad our paths crossed that night. 
 
RIP buddy, DCFC won’t be the same place without you. 💙💙
 

A stranger we had yet to meet.
Our paths had never crossed.
And yet, it seems, we knew him well,
A dear friend we have lost.
A heart of gold, a Kindly soul,
A friendly word to each.
A clumsy gaff may oft appear,
But ne’er offence be reached.
A call to arms, a plea for fight,
A positive embrace.
Defiant stance, a pumping fist,
A smile on his face.
Hatred of pink, and all things red,
More strangers for him to meet.
“A sea of black and white” he’d call,
“Let’s all stand at our seat”!
A disregard for marriage,
for relationships of two,
“Never, ever” he would wail,
“That would never do”!
Yet he loved all, and we loved him.
His quirks always forgiven,
His stubbornness frustrated,
But missed, now he’s in Heaven.
The truest Ram, amongst us all,
Now gone for evermore.
For Daniel, for DCFC
Let’s all be more B4
xxx
🐏🤍

RIP Daniel. We didn’t know each other and I never had the pleasure of meeting you but to me , on this forum, you were Mr Derby County. I loved your positivity and your passing puts everything concerning DCFC into perspective. My heart felt condolences to your family & friends. Your passing came too soon, I hope you are at peace and we will all miss you. Today was for you B4. 

When I heard this sad news last night, I was absolutely gutted, B4 was such a positive man, an optimist in times of mediocrity, a true believer who only faltered once, when we were on the brink 16 months ago. The thought of losing his beloved Rams, filled him with dread.
However, it is only tonight, reading everyone's tributes, with an unashamed tear rolling down my cheek, that the bigger picture emerged. Tales of chats at service stations and concourses, his passion at at games and most tellingly, the private messages of encouragement or empathy when other posters were going through a tough time. Even when he had his own troubles, which would have left most of us exhausted and probably would have prevented all of us attaining his relentless positivity.
The reason behind those chats and messages, as well as good human nature, is we are family. We have something which binds us together, a shared love, a community. We live in a polarised society, where politicians, media and social media seek to expose and amplify any divisions and isolate us. However, we have an attachment, a forum, a club, a badge, a team to rally round and no-one rallied round The Rams more than B4. For those, like B4, who may find life hasn't always been kind or easy, that sense of attachment is even stronger and more important. 
They say you die twice in life, once when you stop breathing and again when people stop remembering you. Daniel, we will remember you, we will remember your rallying cries, your kindness to others and most of all the purity of your faith for the team you love.        

This is unbelievably sad news. I stood next to B4 and his dad at the famous Leeds play off game - not that I realised it at the time. Both he and his dad were lovely. I was there and my own and we had a good chat before and throughout the game and celebrated together at full time. 
I will always remember two things. One, just how many people came over to him to say hello and have a quick chat. I think a testament to how well liked he was, not just on the forum, but by those at the matches too. Secondly, his unwavering belief and passion. I remember him slapping the badge on his chest at half time, telling me not to give up on them because we will win, and then at full time, with immense delight, ‘I told you! I told you! They will never let you down!’
My thoughts go out to his family. If you read this I hope you can take some solace in knowing how many people were touched by Daniel and how many people remember him. I only met him once, but he will live on in my memory. 
Be more B4. Rest in peace.